We’ve heard this expression over and over again and it is often at the core of different methods for teaching new skills. ABA practitioners use Behavioural Skills Training (BST) because it is an evidence-based training method that
has been shown to be effective in teaching people all sorts of skills, from things like tying shoes, to working complex machinery. BST has 4 basic steps, they are: Instruction (Explain the skill): The instructor is clear and concise and lays out expectations and consequences for appropriate behaviours as well as instructions on how the task is to be completed. They may also provide a rationale for the skill or describe why it is important. For example: Someone using BST to teach appropriate movie-going behaviour would initially explain, “When you are in the theatre you must walk slowly, stay within arms reach of me, and use a quiet voice, so that everyone can hear and get to their movie on time.” Modelling (Show the skill): The instructor creates an opportunity wherein they can model the skill they are teaching their learners. This creates a
reference point for the learner to come back as they learn the skill. For example: Someone using BST to teach movie-going behaviour would show the learner what walking slowly, staying close, and speaking quietly look like by physically performing these actions or showing a video clip of someone performing these actions. Rehearsal (Practice the skill): The instructor creates an opportunity for the
learners to practice performing the desired skill. For Example: Someone using BST to teach movie-going behaviour might take a field trip to the theatre or set up a “mini” movie theatre in their house so the learners can practice the skill. Feedback (Report on how the skill was performed): The instructor provides calm, factual, and helpful feedback to the learner on how the skill was performed and then
provides rewards (ABA people would say positive reinforcement) for successful performance and more training on whatever the learner may still need help learning. For example: Someone using BST to teach movie-going behaviour might congratulate a learner on how well they are walking quietly and remind them to keep their voice low. The instructor would then model keeping their voice low for the learner again. It is important to note that
modelling, rehearsal, and feedback are repeated as many times as needed while teaching a skill, and are repeated until the learner has shown that they possess the skill (what those in ABA call “mastery”). Different people learn differently and, using the movie theatre example above, some may quickly learn to walk quietly, but may struggle staying close and keeping their voice low. With others it may be the opposite. BST provides learners with many opportunities to perform
all parts of a skill along with modelling from those that already know how to perform the skill. While anyone can use the steps of BST to teach someone, it is important that the person using BST have a good relationship (in ABA terms we call that being “paired”) with the individual they are teaching. It is also important to be able to adapt to the learner’s needs. For example, a teacher using BST with someone that has a sensitivity to sound may use visual instructions or the least amount
of words while speaking/describing a skill. Sometimes, when we don’t feel understood, or when we think others haven’t understood us, we may want to think of other ways to explain things. While we may say things that are very true and full of good information, it can actually make it less likely that you will successfully teach the skill. Remember that it’s better to keep it simple and show your learner what you mean than tell them; then give them the chance to
practice it, giving feedback and rewards for doing the skill correctly. Interested in learning more? Check out these resources on Behavioural Skills Training (BST): //bsci21.org/behavior-skills-training-in-4-steps/ //prezi.com/qdv493njkua7/behavioral-skills-training-procedures/Keep it simple.
The Four procedures involved in the behavior skills training procedure are
instructions modeling rehearsal feedback
The____ component of BST involves telling the learner how to engage in the correct behavior
the ____ component of BST involves showing the learner how to engage in the correct behavior
the ______ component of BST involves giving the learner the opportunity to practice the correct behavior
the ____ component of BST involves giving the learner praise or corrections for his performance
when a model engages in the correct behavior, it should result in
reinforcement or a positive outcome
for modeling to be most effective, the model should have ____ to the learner, or high _____
The learner should have the opportunity to ______ the behavior as soon as possible after observing the model
In BST instructions should be delivered by someone who has _____ with the learner.
In BST, feedback should be given ______ after the behavior is performed.
_____ is a taring procedure that includes the use of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback
Behavioral Skills Training
_____ Telling the child to say "no", run away and tell an adult when someone asks the child to leave
______ Showing the child the correct behavior to be preformed when someone asks the child to leave
____ having the child practice saying the no, running away, and telling in a role play of an abduction lure
_____ parsing the child for her correct performance in a role play of an abduction situation
In_____ modeling, a person demonstrates the appropriate behavior, whereas in ____ modeling, the appropriate behavior is shown via videotape, audiotape, cartoon, or movie
During the BST, the behavior is modeled in a variety of ways and in a variety of situations to enhance____
Following instructions and modeling, the learner should have the opportunity to _____ the behavior
In BST, feedback involves both___ and ____
praise and correction of errors
To promote generalization of the behavior during BST, the role plays should___ the actual situations the learner is likely to encounter in real life
In BST, instructions involve _____
telling the learner what to do
In BST, modeling involves
showing the learner what to do
In BST, rehearsal involves
giving the learner the opportunity to practice the behavior
praise for correct performance and correction of errors
______ In the process of teaching a first grade class what to do if they ever find a gun, the trainer has the class watch as he walks up to the gun on a shelf, doesn't touch it runs out of the room, and tells the teacher about the gun
_____ After showing the first grade class the correct behavior, the trainer places a gun on a shelf and then has each student practice the skills of not touching the gun, running out of the room, and telling a teacher
As a result of a history of reinforcement of imitating models, what is likely to happen when a child views a model's behavior during a BST procedure?
the child will imitate the model
During modeling, the models behavior should occur in the proper___
context or stimulus situations
In BST, praise for correct behavior and correction of incorrect behavior are two forms of____
What are two ways to enhance generalization after BST?
include a variety of role plays in training, incorporate real-life situations in training, provide assignments for the learner to practice the skills outside of the training setting, arrange for reinforcement of the skills outside of the training setting